A Harrogate man has been sentenced to 16 months in jail following years of abuse towards a former partner.
57-year-old Grant Morgan Cowlishawm, from East Parade, was sentenced at York Crown Court today (Friday).
On 22nd September, at York Crown Court, Cowlishaw changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in relation to a charge of engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour in an intimate relationship.
He was remanded in custody until his sentencing.
Cowlishaw was in a relationship with the victim for several years and in February 2025, the victim bravely reported the abuse she'd endured since April 2021.
Cowlishaw engaged in behaviour towards her which was controlling and coercive which had a serious effect on her, such as using violence against her on not less than three occasions, repeatedly degrading her by verbal remarks, as well as monitored her use of her phone.
Despite the relationship ending in February 2025, the abuse continued into March 2025 with Cowlishaw breaching his bail conditions by repeatedly sending messages to the victim and turning up at one of her relative's homes causing further distress for the victim.
The investigation has been led by Detective Constable David Whitehouse from North Yorkshire Police’s Harrogate Safeguarding Investigation Team.
He was able to support the victim throughout the investigation, and ensured she received professional care and support, including a referral to Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS).
In her personal statement, the victim said:
"Every day I feel such a deep and overwhelming sadness and confusion trying to understand how someone could tell me they love me yet treat me in a way that was so incredibly cruel.
"Telling my family that I had been suffering in my relationship was so incredibly difficult.
“I felt so embarrassed and ashamed that I had let him treat me the way he did.
“I had distanced myself from my family to keep the truth hidden from them."
DC Whitehouse said:
"The victim has shown great courage in reporting this abuse to police, putting an end to this abusive relationship which she had endured over an extended period.
"I hope Cowlishaw's sentence goes some way in helping the victim with closure and moving forward with her life with the help of her family and support network."
Harrogate friends to cycle 470 miles for brain tumour charity
Countdown legend brings 'Word Perfect' tour to Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate Town set for Boxing Day derby as fixtures revealed
Free Fuel Friday: Bilton woman is twelfth winner to claim full tank
New postcard celebrates Harrogate's bid to become UK's Town of Culture
Thieves attempt to break into garage at Harrogate home
Yorkshire Water urges customers to cut water use during heatwave
North Yorkshire ranks fifth highest in region for garden waste charges
Harrogate Rugby Club gears up for Beer Festival and Family Fun Day this Saturday
Harewood secures major National Lottery grant for landmark project
Harrogate's Duchy College recognised at Independent Schools of the Year Awards
Harrogate brewery's beer recognised among best in country
Rare chance for dogs to visit RHS Harlow Carr
Jespers of Harrogate to celebrate 125th anniversary
Harrogate Grammar praised in latest Ofsted inspection
Boroughbridge mum completes 100km challenge after daughter's life-saving heart surgery
Great Yorkshire Show almost sold out with two days at full capacity
Harrogate pupils' harvest helps feed homeless people
Spot the Board: Eagle-eyed residents scoop England shirts
Fleetwood Mac and Queen tributes to headline Harrogate Food & Drink Festival
